Galway, Ireland - Travel Guide

Galway is a vibrant and artistic city known for its lively pub scene, traditional music, and stunning coastal scenery. It serves as a gateway to the wild beauty of Connemara and the Aran Islands.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$70/day

Mid-range$150/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

Galway BayConnemaraAran IslandsMayoClareSalthillEyre SquareThe Claddagh

🇮🇪 Country Information: Ireland

CapitalDublin

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language English , Irish (Gaeilge)

Phone Code+353

Electricity230V (Type G)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service: 10
15% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis, a few euros for hotel staff

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have cash for smaller establishments
Bringing some cash is advisable for convenience, especially outside major cities
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Punctuality is valued, especially for appointments
Politeness is highly regarded; "please" and "thank you" are important
It's common to buy a round of drinks in pubs
Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious topics with strangers
Dress codes are generally relaxed but can be smart
casual for dining out

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Ireland is considered very LGBTQ+ friendly with robust legal protections, including marriage equality since 2015.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places in some areas, check local bylaws
Pedestrians should use designated crossings and be aware of traffic, especially from the right (driving on the left)

Common Phrases

HelloDia duit (dee-ah gwit)

CheersSláinte (slawn-cheh)

PleaseMás é do thoil é (maws ay duh hull ay)

Excuse meGabh mo leithscéal (gahv muh lesh-kayl)

Thank youGo raibh maith agat (go rah mah ah-gut)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Ireland generally has a temperate climate, not typically experiencing super hot or cold seasons, hurricanes, earthquakes, or monsoons
Flooding can occur, particularly during the wetter months of Oct
Feb, but it's not a consistent annual occurrence that affects all travel

Getting There

Fly into Shannon Airport (SNN) (1h drive, \~$150
300 from UK/Europe) or Dublin Airport (DUB) (2
5h drive/bus, \~$100
250 from UK/Europe)
Bus Éireann operates regular bus services from major Irish cities
Irish Rail offers train services from Dublin to Galway

Getting Around

Local buses operated by Bus Éireann
Taxis are readily available
Ride
sharing apps like Free Now are common

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for Ireland beyond routine vaccinations
No altitude sickness, malaria, or specific motion sickness remedies are typically needed
Probiotics may be useful for digestive health when traveling

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available in Ireland
Major providers include Vodafone, Three, and Eir
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers work well

Local Cuisine

Seafood Chowder regional_speciality

A hearty, creamy soup packed with local seafood like smoked haddock, salmon, mussels, and clams. It showcases Galway's coastal location and is a commo

Pizza must_try

Award-winning pizza that started from a food stall and became one of the city's most popular pizzerias. It represents a modern, successful culinary tr

Irish Fry-Up breakfast

The ultimate full Irish breakfast featuring crispy rashers (bacon), sausages, black pudding, eggs, and buttery toast. Often served with a mug of tea o

Guinness Stout alcohol

The iconic dark Irish stout, made from water, barley, hops, and brewer's yeast, with a characteristic dark-ruby colour and creamy head. Drinking a pin

Galway Hooker Beer alcohol

A distinctive tasting craft beer from a local brewery based in the West of Ireland. It is popular among beer enthusiasts across Ireland, especially in

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (B&Bs, Hotels) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance, especially for peak season/festivals.

Galway is a popular city, and accommodation, especially well-rated B&Bs and places featured in guides, books up far in advance, particularly during the summer and major events.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Aran Islands Ferries (Day Trips) Transport

Book 1 week to 3 months in advance.

Ferry services, particularly those running day tours from Galway City (or nearby Doolin/Rossaveal), can fill up, especially if combining with Cliffs of Moher tours.

Cultural Performances (Town Hall Theatre/An Taibhdhearc) Attraction

Book 1 week to 1 month in advance.

Tickets for popular plays, concerts, or traditional Irish music sessions at major venues can sell out quickly, particularly on weekends.

Fun Facts

1. Christopher Columbus is believed to have worshipped at St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church, the largest medieval parish church in Ireland, during his visit to Galway in 1477.
2. The longest place name in Ireland, Muckanaghederdauhaulia, which is a townland, can be found in County Galway.
3. Galway has been voted Europe's friendliest city multiple times in the Condé Nast Traveller Reader Travel Awards, most recently in 2020.
4. Galway is home to the largest Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking community) in Ireland.

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